Louisiana Senate Bill SCR87

Louisiana 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/15/11
• Refer: 6/16/11
• Engrossed: 6/19/11
• Passed: 6/20/11

Caption

Requests BESE to establish a public process for filling the position of state superintendent of education.

Impact

If implemented, SCR87 would mark a significant shift towards a more democratic and inclusive approach to selecting educational leadership in Louisiana. By recommending the formation of an advisory committee, the resolution aims to provide a mechanism for greater public participation and transparency in the selection process for such a critical position. This could potentially lead to a superintendent who is more attuned to the needs and concerns of various stakeholders in the education system, including parents, teachers, and community leaders.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 87 (SCR87) urges the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) to establish a public and accessible process for selecting the state superintendent of education. The resolution emphasizes the importance of involving a diverse committee that includes representatives from the general public, community organizations, and educational stakeholders in the selection process. The goal is to ensure that the appointed individual can effectively lead the state's education system and influence the educational outcomes of over 700,000 students in Louisiana's public schools.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SCR87 appears to be overwhelmingly positive, with strong support for the idea of public involvement in the decision-making process. The support for this resolution reflects a growing recognition of the need for transparency and community engagement in educational governance. Legislators acknowledged that the selection of a state superintendent is a crucial responsibility that affects many lives and should therefore be done with input from the community.

Contention

While there were no recorded oppositions in the voting history, there may still be concerns regarding the feasibility and implementation of such a committee. Critics of similar processes in other states have pointed out potential issues such as bureaucratic delays or the risk of politicizing the selection process. Nonetheless, the unanimous passage of SCR87 indicates a consensus among lawmakers about the need for a more inclusive approach in educational leadership selection.